What is the function of the second sentence in the argument below?

(1) Many proponents argue that artificial intelligence will eliminate the need for human medical diagnostic specialists. (2) However, empirical evidence indicates that hybrid systems combining machine-learning pattern recognition with human clinical judgment achieve significantly lower diagnostic error rates than algorithms operating in isolation.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. It introduces empirical counter-evidence that refutes the opening claim

  1. Step 1: Examine argument structure: Sentence 1 states a widely held claim (AI will eliminate human doctors). Sentence 2 begins with the adversative marker 'However' and presents evidence showing hybrid human-AI systems outperform isolated algorithms.
  2. Step 2: Therefore, the second sentence functions as a rebuttal or counter-evidence qualifying the original assertion.
Answer
It introduces empirical counter-evidence that refutes the opening claim.
Why not the others: 'It provides a secondary example that substantiates the initial assertion' misidentifies an opposing counter-argument as a supportive point; 'It summarizes the consensus view of leading medical practitioners' is unsubstantiated; 'It defines technical terminology introduced in the opening statement' misreads empirical data as a semantic definition.

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